A/N: I just wanted to let everyone know that (WARNING) there is a sex scene in this chapter. I have highlighted where it starts and where it ends encase there are some people who would rather not read such scenes. With that said I must remind you that I have rated this as 'M' for a reason. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Twenty-Three

Breaking Boundaries

Kaoru's POV

Kaoru rung the wet linen with delicate hands, watching absently as the repelled water trickled back into the porcelain bowl at her side. Moonlight filtered through the window to her right, and danced across the rippling water. She had sat at her friend's side for hours. Kaoru had refused to leave Misao from the very moment they had stepped through the gates of the recycled monk's temple. How could she even consider leaving Misao? It was unthinkable after what she did for her when they were facing that bandit. Misao had saved her life, but it had come at a great cost. Her injuries were extensive and for a long while she had been touch-and-go. Three broken ribs, a possible skull fracture, and a broken leg. Those were just the injuries that they knew about. They wouldn't know about any internal injuries until much later when they became apparent. With as advanced as modern medicine was, it still had its limitations. Kaoru folded the rag in her hands and carefully draped it across her friend's forehead "I'm so sorry Misao." Kaoru whispered despite knowing that no one would hear her apology. Misao's breathing faltered and her chest heaved. She wheezed out a low moan. A sharp, acute pain pierced her stomach as Misao experienced another wave of pain. It was in those moments that she was grateful that the girl was unconscious. Based on her injuries, Kaoru knew as a doctor, that she was suffering a great deal. If she were awake that pain would be near unbearable "I'm sorry." Kaoru repeated feeling as though an apology was required every time she was experiencing the slightest pain.

Distantly Kaoru heard the sound of the shoji screen being rolled back. She heard the shuffling of sock feet across the hard wood floors, and the gentle fluttering of fabric as the visitor settled down beside her. Even though she was aware of the other person, Kaoru couldn't bring herself to look away from Misao. Guilt, worry, and shame kept her attention rooted to the girl. Kenshin had trained her well. She should have been able to handle that bandit on her own. Misao shouldn't have even needed to be involved. A small, delicate hand fell onto her shoulder. At long last Kaoru was pulled from her guilt-ridden thoughts "I can take it from here Dr. Kamiya." Her voice was sweet and smooth like honey. Soothing to the soul. Kaoru looked up to doctor Megumi Takani. The doctor was a very beautiful woman. As pale and gentle as a beam of moonlight, and as graceful and healing as a quiet river. She had assisted Kaoru in Misao's surgery and in resetting her bones. Doctor Takani had proved to be a very skilled surgeon, and in different circumstances Kaoru would have found it a great honor to work with her. The doctor leaned in close to Kaoru, her long raven black bangs brushing against the tops of Kaoru's ear "Please take a break, if not for yourself, but for that man who has waited so patiently at the door for you. He seems very worried about you Dr. Kamiya." Megumi retreated just far enough away for Kaoru to see a knowing smile play across her crimson red lips "I can watch over your friend, now go and ease that man's troubled mind." Kaoru glanced to the doorway where Kenshin stood ever so silently. His amethyst eyes were watching her with unbridled concern.

Slightly reluctantly Kaoru nodded, knowing that she shouldn't worry him so "Thank you Dr. Takani." She replied rising to her feet. Kaoru felt the cool mountain air brush against her skin as she closed the shoji screen behind her. Kenshin wasted no time in coming to her. He stood in front of her, his eyes searching her body carefully. Since they had made it to the base the two of them hadn't had time to talk much less be alone together. Kaoru had been too wrapped up in taking care of Misao "I'm okay." Kaoru murmured knowing that he was looking for injuries. His cool amethyst gaze locked with hers, daring her to lie to him again. A soft, pink blush dusted across the bridge of her nose. She hadn't fooled him. Her expression turned sheepish "It's not too bad." Kaoru corrected herself as he eyed her right leg. The truth was that she had been experiencing a searing pain in her leg ever since Kenshin had come to her rescue. Kaoru had thought that she had hidden her limp well enough for it to go unnoticed, but it was apparent that the Battousai did not miss a single detail.

"How bad is your injury?" He asked softly.

"I'm not sure." Kaoru replied, feeling terribly irresponsible for not having taken care of herself earlier. Without a word Kenshin knelt down and swooped her into his arms. With a squeak Kaoru instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. One of his strong arms was supported under her knees, and the other was braced against her back "This isn't necessary." Kaoru whispered against the crook of his neck. Her blushed deepened to a dark red. She was sure that he could feel the heat of her embarrassment against his skin.

"It's very necessary." Kenshin replied his tone a little gruff. He was angry with her. She could hear it in his voice "Since you refuse to take care of yourself, I will do so." He carried her to the end of the hall and swept into a room that Kaoru suspected to be his. A bed roll had been spread out in the middle of the floor. A lantern sat next to the bed along with a bowl of water, and some medical supplies. Kenshin slid the door shut before crossing the room and gently sitting her onto the bed roll. He fell to his knees beside her, and leaned back onto his feet "Can I take a look?" He whispered his hand hesitating above the edge of her kimono. His eyes held the deepest amount of respect for her. Kaoru couldn't vocalize her answer as her embarrassment had barred her words, so she helplessly nodded her permission. Kenshin eased the light blue fabric up the length of her leg, slowly revealing inch after inch of her creamy white skin. Finally, the fabric was bunched around her waist, exposing a deep gash that marred the flawless flesh of her upper thigh. Kenshin quirked a brow up at her. He was silently reprimanding her for letting her injury go unattended. He dipped a fresh cut of linen into his clean bowl of water and rung the excess water from the rag. With careful precision Kenshin dabbed around the edges of the cut and began wiping away the dried, crusted blood "Forgive me, this may hurt a little." Kenshin murmured as he pressed the whole rag against the entirety of her wound. It was necessary so that he could clean the dirt and bacteria from the gash. Kaoru gritted her teeth at the stinging sensation caused by the direct contact of the cloth.

Kenshin released the rag into the bowl and reached for a jar of ointment. He scooped a good amount of ointment from the jar with his first two fingers. Mindful of the pain it would surely cause her, he gingerly spread the cream across the wound, making sure that he didn't miss a single spot. Again, she was assaulted by that stinging sensation, but Kaoru simply bared it. He placed the lid back onto the jar and took hold of the gauze. Kenshin placed his palm under her knee and lifted her leg up enough for him to get the gauze to reach under her thigh. Once he had secured the bandages with a tight knot a period of silence stretched between them. Kaoru was the first to break it "Kenshin." He gave her his attention "I'm sorry." Her apology was softly spoken "I didn't mean to make you angry with me."

Her words demolished any speck of coldness in his eyes. Kenshin moved forward, his hands capturing her shoulders and pulling her to him "Kaoru you are all I have." He murmured against her ear "The slightest chance of losing you terrifies me. Please just promise me that you will take better care of yourself."

She pulled back, her palm placed flatly against his chiseled chest "I promise." She responded fully understanding his fears.

**START**

Kenshin's POV

Kenshin gazed down at his Kaoru. He was memorizing the soft, delicate structure of her face. She truly was a beautiful woman. The flickering flame from the lantern reflected in her eyes, and highlighted the many different hues of blue that made up her sapphire gaze. His hand slid up the graceful curve of her back and gently cupped her head. His fingers dived into her midnight tresses where he began to massage her scalp. He couldn't help it. Kenshin had this constant impulse to want to maintain any kind of contact that he could while with her. Kaoru fluttered her eyes closed and leaned into his ministration. A shy smile curved her rose petal lips. Momentarily Kenshin wondered if she understood just how much he loved her? Did she know that he would do anything for her? Was she aware that she meant everything to him?

A low mewling sound slipped past her parted lips. It was a soft, seductive sound that made him painfully aware of his desires for her. Suddenly realizing that she had made such a sensual sound Kaoru looked up at him with a twist of embarrassment and worry. Kenshin smiled knowingly at her "Kaoru you are beautiful." He murmured, seeking to ease her confliction.

Her smooth palm found his cheek and she cradled his long scar in her soothing hand. Kenshin's heart beat quickened as he suddenly became hypersensitive to her touch. Her finger tips ghosted across his scar, delicately tracing the puckered tissue that marred his face. He didn't want her to touch his scar—not because it was painful—because he didn't want her to sully her hands with the darkness of his life. That scar was a constant reminder of who he was when he wasn't with Kaoru. Of the cold-blooded killer he was. A monster who had murder a woman and then her grieving fiancé without hesitation. That scar was a brand. So that others would know of the terrible sins that he had committed. Kaoru leaned in close to him. Her hair pooled over her shoulder and brushed against his chin "I love you." She whispered before placing a kiss against his scar. Her words were genuine and filled him with a warmth that threatened to consume him. It would surely burn him to ash. Kaoru looked up at him through her lashes adding to the fire that was steadily burning out of his control. He couldn't stop himself. Kenshin cupped that sweet, delicate face in his hands and brought her lips to his. The kiss was both hard and soft as he struggled for control.

His lips moved against hers fervently as his hands trailed down her throat, his fingertips registering her wildly beating pulse. Kenshin traced his tongue across her bottom lip begging for permission to explore the taste of her. Kaoru didn't hesitate in granting him access, and Kenshin didn't hesitate in taking advantage of her offering. Their tongues melded against one another as they danced in rhythm with their lips. She tasted like vanilla with a faint hint of sweet plum. That taste was intoxicating, and Kenshin felt as though he could drown in it. However, he knew that they would eventually need to breathe. Reluctantly he retreated, amused by her grunt of disappointment. Not giving her much time to mourn the loss of their kiss, Kenshin began a trail of fiery kisses across her jawline, underneath her chin, and down her neck. His hands pushed open the neck of her kimono. He eased the fabric apart just enough to expose her collarbone. Kenshin daringly ran his tongue along the fine line of her collarbone, igniting a low, sultry moan from Kaoru. His erection pressed against the restriction of his hakama, and Kenshin groaned as he knew that they would soon have to stop—otherwise he would surely lose control.

Did she know of the kind of power she had over him? Kenshin allowed this thought to slip away as Kaoru distracted him with her own little experiments. Timidly she was sliding her small hands into the opening of his gi. She glided her fingers across his chest, cautiously exploring the lines and contours of his torso. As she conducted her exploration Kenshin resumed lavishing her throat with hundreds of feathery kisses. Suddenly she became braver and those tantalizing fingertips traveled down his muscled stomach. Need. Pure, unrefined, raw need poured like liquid fire over his body as she brushed against the waist of his pants. Kenshin quickly ceased his kisses and pushed her hand away before she caused him to lose what little control he currently possessed. Kaoru's wounded expression stung him, but he would gladly take her sadness over the possibility of him irreparably hurting her "I'm sorry." Kenshin murmured guilty. He should not have allowed it to go that far.

A few seconds passed before Kaoru was able to respond to him. Finally, she seemed to have come to some kind of resolve. Her sapphire eyes turned to a dark, stormy, ocean-blue and her teeth sunk nervously into her bottom lip. Kenshin watched dumbfounded as Kaoru began to ease the kimono neck off of her shoulders. The edge of the thick fabric slid from her creamy, pale skin slowly. She was intentionally and boldy exposing the supple swell of her breasts. Her eyes met his blazing golden ones "Please don't stop." She pleaded her kimono dropping so far down that her nipples were nearly in view. Kaoru leaned into him and planted a hard kiss against his lips. Her hand took hold of his and placed his palm over her breast. He could feel the heat of her embarrassment radiating against his cheek, and was again reminded of just how innocent she was.

Kenshin pulled away from her kiss, fighting back his desire to take her right then and there. He studied her face with a great deal of scrutiny "Do you understand what you are asking?" He finally asked, his voice raspy with need. Barely contained.

Kaoru nodded her head "Yes. I may never have made love to a man, but as a doctor I understand what happens when a woman experiences her first time. I'm inexperienced, but not unknowledgeable." Her gaze averted to the bed beneath her. She was worried and nervous that he would once again turn her away.

A sense of love and adoration filled his heart as he realized that she wanted to trust him with the most precious, and important gift that she would ever give any man. She was baring herself to him. Placing everything that she was in the very palm of his hands. His Kaoru wanted to entrust him with this. She wanted to make love with him despite what it may cost her. The weight of this knowledge rested heavily on his mind as he found the sudden strength to rein in his desires. Kenshin caught her chin between his thumb and curled index finger. He forced her to look at him "Kaoru are you sure that this is what you want?" He asked searching for any hint of uncertainty on her face. Kenshin had already decided that he would not continue if she had even the slightest bit of doubt in her.

"Yes, I'm sure." Kaoru's words were steady, earnest, and certain.

Kenshin nodded "Alright, but if at any time you want me to stop you are to tell me. Do you understand?" He asked making it very clear that she had a scapegoat should she begin to doubt her decision "I will not do anything that you do not want me to."

"Thank you Kenshin." She whispered as he kissed her softly. Slowly, carefully he lowered her to the bedroll below them. Her silky, midnight hair splayed across the mattress and her breasts rose and fell in time with her steady breathing. Her face was a little flushed and her lips a little swollen from his kisses. Her kimono neck now fell at the bend of her arms, and just barely covered her bare chest.

Kenshin moved over top of her. His legs straddled her hips, and his hands were place strategically next to either of her shoulders, suspending him above her. She looked so innocent and sweet below him. He couldn't help himself as he gave into the urge to kiss her. Again, he pleaded for her permission with his tongue and again she granted him entrance. As he busied her with the lavishing strokes of his tongue against her Kenshin's hand rounded her shoulder, and gradually moved downward. Kaoru moaned breathlessly into his mouth as his fingertips caressed the swell of her breasts and then continued to travel ever downward. He took hold of the edge of her kimono and gave it a sharp tug. Kenshin broke off the kiss to turn his attention to Kaoru's breasts. He had to pause a few moments to admire her. Her breasts were absolutely perfect. They had a full, round shape to them and were tipped in petal pink peaks. Knowing that her inexperience in love making would make her insecure and shy, Kenshin was quick to put those feelings to rest "You're so beautiful Kaoru." He whispered huskily as he descended down onto her breast with several open-mouthed kisses. A series of soft, breathy moans and sighs fell from her mouth like a seductive melody as he encased one of those hard, pink petals with his lips. His hand found her unattended breast and began to gently kneed it. His tongue swirled around her nipple a few times before he began suckling the sensitive peak. He would take this slowly, enjoying every inch of her body.

Her pleasure filled mewling only worked to fuel his stone hard erection. His body burned with desire and need, but he quelled these overpowering wants. Kenshin was determined to make this as pleasurable and good for her as he possibly could. Kaoru deserved that and so much more. He swore to his self that he would take her to heights she never knew she could reach. He was fairly skilled in the art of love making and he knew quite a bit about pleasuring a woman. He would use that knowledge to Kaoru's greatest benefit. Getting a feel for her body and how it reacted to his ministrations, Kenshin made a few experiments on what she liked best. It would surely be a long while before Kaoru would be comfortable enough to talk to him about her wants and fantasies, but he could easily gauge what she liked by how her body reacted. If her caressed her like this she would arch her back into him, if he nibbled her breast like that she would moan especially loud. He could read her body like a book. Once he was satisfied that he had paid plenty attention to her breasts, Kenshin skimmed the tip of his nose down her flat stomach, fully aware of how her muscles contracted and clenched at his touch. He placed a kiss just above her belly button and paused when his hand touched her obi belt. Kenshin looked up at her "Can I?" He asked making sure that she was still sure about her decision. Kaoru met his gaze and nodded certainly. Even though he would have stopped if her response should have been 'no', a part of him was praising any God who would listen that she wanted him to continue. Just as much as she wanted him, he wanted her more.

Kenshin discarded the belt, and checking in a final time pushed her kimono completely away from her body. For the first time ever, she was baring her entire body to a man, and Kenshin felt very honored that she had chosen him to be that man. He drunk in the tantalizing, sensuous curves of her body. From her perky, bulging breasts to her thin waist that tapered down to the delicate curvature of her hips, and then to her slender legs. Kenshin could imagine those legs wrapped tightly around his waist. A feverish urgency curled around his member as he thought of this. He suppressed his urges as he continued to concentrate on Kaoru. Kenshin picked up where he left off. Leaving behind a blazing trail of kisses he reached the most sacred part of her. Kenshin wanted nothing more than to taste her against his tongue, but decided that it would be best to try such advanced techniques at another time. Instead he pressed feathery kisses across the inside of her thigh mindful of her injury. As he did this Kenshin tested the waters with a single finger. He rubbed his finger tip along her opening, surprised by the amount of moisture that had gathered there "I need to make sure you are ready for me Kaoru." Kenshin explained to her as he slid a finger into her. She moaned loudly and arched her back as he slid into her slick heat and used his finger to create a steady rhythm. Once he deemed her to be ready, Kenshin quickly discarded his own clothes, and kissed his way up her body.

Kenshin settled between her legs and his liquid gold gaze met with her lusty sapphire one. "Are you sure?" He asked, making absolutely certain that this is what she wanted "Kaoru I won't be able to stop after this point." Kenshin added warningly.

Kaoru cupped his scarred cheek "Yes, I'm sure."

Kenshin took hold of his pulsating erection and rubbed the tip along her center, coating it in her liquid heat. He ached painfully in need but he would accommodate her needs above his own. Kenshin lined his manhood up with her entrance, and in a single swift, fluid push he entered her. He kissed her deeply as he stretched her. Trying desperately to absorb her pain. Just a quickly as he had entered, he stilled once he was sure he had made her a woman. She was tight, but had surprisingly taken all of him. Pulling away from the kiss he studied Kaoru's tightly closed eyes, the way the bridge of her nose had wrinkled, and the way her body had tensed as his intrusion. He could only imagine what she was felt "I'm sorry." He apologized against her neck as he lovingly nuzzled her throat with his nose and lips. His member pulsated within her, but it was promptly ignored. Kenshin rested some of his weight onto his elbow as to free his hand. With that hand he gingerly stroked her cheek with his thumb, as the rest of his fingers cupped her jaw "I'm so sorry." He apologized once again as he wiped away a few stray tears. After a few seconds the pain had seem to subsided and Kaoru had made an effort to test the waters. From beneath him she bucked her hips experimentally "Kaoru…"

She quickly headed him off "I'm fine." She replied "You can continue." Kaoru fluttered her eyes open to gaze up at him assuredly

Hesitantly he rotated his hips, making gentle, shallow strokes. Having already adjusted to his size, Kaoru began meeting his thrusts. The pain was gradually dissolving into pleasure. Taking this as a sign to continue Kenshin's thrusts steadily became faster and more erratic. She felt so good around him, as if she were made for him. Her cavern was slick, hot, and maddeningly tight. Her walls clenched around him unforgivingly tighter as he buried himself in her over and over again. He watched her as he moved powerfully within her. Kaoru had thrown her head back baring that creamy, seductive throat of hers. Her lips were parted as she cried out in ecstasy. Her arms had raised above her head and her hands dug into the bed roll beneath them. Eventually they had found a synced pace. Kenshin could feel her release building up as she clenched around him. He broke their rhythm and began thrusting harder and deeper. Instinctually Kaoru's legs wrapped themselves around his waist as she was being pushed to the edge. Suddenly he had brought her over the edge. Her back arched into him. Her body tensed, and then let go as she found her release. Kaoru's body quivered in uncontrollable pleasure as Kenshin thrusted into her a few more times. Soon he too found release and shook with the sheer explosion of his orgasm. A white, hot heat licked at his skin as he climaxed. Sending him into a quiver ball of hypersensitive nerves.

Completely spent Kenshin removed himself from her, and settled onto the bedroll next to Kaoru's still quaking body. He watched pleased as she shook with the aftershock of her own orgasm. Kaoru was beautiful, but never had he seen her more beautiful than in this moment. Soaked in perspiration and fully satisfied by him. Once she had finally came down from her high, Kaoru turned her gaze to Kenshin with heavy lidded eyes. He smiled warmly at her as he propped himself up on his elbow. Gently he brushed some stray hair away from her face "How do you feel?" He inquired. He had noticed the dribble of blood on the bedroll when he had pulled out, and was genuinely worried he had hurt her.

A lazy grin spread across her face, and she brought a fist to her lips as she stifled a yawn "I feel wonderful." Kaoru turned on her side and snuggled closely against him "What about you?" She asked hiding her face away into his chest. She was curious, but it was obvious that talk about intimacy still embarrassed her.

"Wonderful." Kenshin repeated running his hand along her spine, and stopping at her lower back. He pulled her even closer "You were perfect Kaoru. Thank you for allowing me to know you like this. I love you."

She sighed happily "I love you too Kenshin."

**FINISH**

Kaoru's POV

Kaoru awoke to the soft rays of golden sunshine filtering warmly through the window pane. She fluttered her eyes open giving them time to adjust to the light. The first thing that she had took notice of was Kenshin's absence from the bed. She had fallen asleep wrapped up in his arms, but it seemed he had slipped out sometime earlier that morning. Knowing that his absence was more than likely an effort to conserve her reputation, Kaoru had no hurt feelings about him leaving. With a sigh she raised her arms high above her head, arching a stretching across the bedroll. Just as she did this a delicious soreness gave her a pleasurable reminder of the prior night. Sweet memories of her and Kenshin's union replayed at the front of her mind's eye. Kaoru flushed a soft shade of pink at the clarity of each kiss, caress of his hand, and stroke of his body. It was as though every last little detail had been meticulously carved into her memory. He had been so attentive and gentle with her. He took care of her every need including needs that she hadn't even been aware of until he had addressed them. Kaoru had heard that a woman's first time was painful. She had experienced a stinging sensation upon that first entrance. It had burned, and was extremely uncomfortable. However, those few seconds of pain were completely forgotten as they were quickly replaced with a great deal of pleasure. The pleasure most defiantly outweighed the pain of her first time, and Kaoru assumed that was because of Kenshin being so giving and loving her first time. He was truly a wonderful man. A man that she trusted with her life. A man that she loved with all of her heart.

Kaoru sat up and suddenly took notice of the blanket she had been wrapped in. Kenshin must have covered her with it before he had left. She traced the tightly woven threads of cotton with a honey smile. He took such good care of her. A faint knock at the bedroom door brought Kaoru out of her thoughts and abruptly reminded her of her bare state. Panicking Kaoru jumped up from the bedroll. She franticly searched for her kimono, and found it splayed across the floor messily. She gathered her kimono together and stumbled into the robe. Another soft knock resounded in the room. This time a little louder than the last. Kaoru halfway tied the belt around her waist making her self decent enough to open the door, and sprinted across the room to the shoji screen. Just as a third knock had started she slid the door back to meet her early morning visitor. On the other side of the screen stood no other than Dr. Takani "Hello." Kaoru greeted the doctor a bit frazzled.

The doctor smiled slyly, but refrained from voicing any of her knowing suspicions "Good Morning Kaoru." Her returned greeting was followed by a stretch of awkward silence and forced smiles. At length Megumi cleared her throat "Okay, well I just wanted to bring you a fresh kimono and invite you to join me for a bath at the base's hot springs. I thought that you might appreciate a nice hot soak. Perhaps it will take care of any soreness."

Kaoru's thoughts went directly to her night of passion, and she laughed in a nervous manner "S-soreness from what?" Kaoru asked stumbling over her own words.

Megumi nodded in the direction of Kaoru's leg "Is your injury not very sore?" She asked amusedly.

"Oh, uh yes, it is actually." Kaoru replied sheepishly. She was thankful that Megumi had been referring to the injury she had acquired during battle, and not the soreness that faintly pulsed at her center.

Megumi handed Kaoru the clean kimono, and asked her to follow. The two of them walked down the long halls of the old temple, engaged in light chatter about various things; Medicines, stitching techniques, some strange diseases they had come across in their practices. The conversation was idle, but Kaoru thoroughly enjoyed talking with another doctor. Megumi understood the terminology, procedures, and love for the profession. It was nice to talk with someone that Kaoru shared common interests with. At last they had made it to the hidden spring at the center of the temple. The room was very spacious that surrounded a large steaming spring, and the ceilings were vented. It was very humid next to the spring, but the heat felt great. Kaoru discarded her kimono at the edge of the water, and carefully laid the clean one atop of a huge boulder about a foot away from the spring "Don't worry about any unwanted visitors Kaoru." Megumi assured her as she too stripped from her doctor's kimono "All the men are at a mandatory morning training. It will be hours before they come back, which means it's the perfect time to sneak in a nice, relaxing bath." Megumi picked up a wooden bucket with various toiletries that Kaoru had only vaguely noticed her carrying before. She carried the bucket into the water with her, and Kaoru followed her in. The water was as hot as the steam had promised. Kaoru strongly appreciated the heat as the water rose to her nether regions. The water eased the soreness between her legs and soaked out the tension of her muscles. She relaxed into that heat, diving under the surface for a few seconds to wet her hair. She springs up with a deep inhale and pushed the sticky, wet hair from her face. Dr. Takani had brought a ladle with her to wet her hair "So you and this samurai, do you love each other?" She asked so casually that she didn't even open her eyes to gauge Kaoru's reaction.

Kaoru lost her footing and nearly went under the water before she righted herself. She was thankful for the humidity in the room, because it excused the crimson red blush burning hotly in her cheeks "Um y-yes, very much so." Kaoru stuttered still in shock of Megumi's blunt, straight-forwardness.

Megumi cracked open an eye just enough to see Kaoru "That is good to hear." She replied seemingly happy with Kaoru's answer "I have heard rumors of this man you have come to love." She continued placing the ladle back into the bucket "I must say that it surprises me that a man like that has found love. They believed that the Battousai would never be tamed you know?" The tone in her voice become distant, sad, and reminiscing "I certainly never thought that he was capable of love." The way those words left her mouth had peaked Kaoru's interest.

"Have you met the Battousai before?" Kaoru asked having put two and two together.

Megumi sighed and furrowed her brows "Yes, I have. Back in Kyoto." She smiled sadly "I met him one night when I was heading home from a festival. I thought it was a good idea to take a short cut through a back alleyway. It was dark and unknown to me these two men had been following me for some time." Megumi cupped some water into her hand and poured it over her shoulder "Those two men attacked me in that ally. I thought that they were going to kill me, but then the Battousai showed up. He didn't say a word and I barely even caught when he had moved to slay those two bandits." She crossed her arms over her chest, her hands resting in the crooks of her slender arms "He had saved my life, and I had fallen in love for the first time."

"So, he was your first love?" Kaoru asked unable to mask the squeak of surprise in her voice.

"Yes." Megumi adverted her eyes to the swirling water below her "I tracked him down at Katsura's base, but the Battousai didn't even recognize me. He had already long since forgotten about the incident in the alleyway. I was stubborn and selfishly held onto this idea that we were meant to be together. I mean why else would he have saved my life, he is a legendary manslayer after all." Megumi returned her attention to Kaoru "I went to that base every afternoon for half a year in hopes of a chance to see him again. I wanted to talk to him, to see if I could get him to fall in love with me too. It was a silly notion now that I looked back at it. He hadn't given me anything to hold on to. Nothing that should have encouraged me to keep going. Eventually I gave up. He had been so frigid and cold then. I thought to myself, 'surely a person that cold wasn't capable of love.' Then last night I found that I had been wrong. He hadn't left that doorway all night. He had just stood there patiently waiting for you. Then I realized that it wasn't that he was incapable of love, just that he hadn't found the right person to love. Admittedly I'm a little jealous of you Kaoru Kamiya." Megumi gnawed on the inside of her jaw as she waited for Kaoru to react to her confession.

To say that Kaoru was a little more than shocked would have been an understatement. She was completely stunned by Megumi's story. Kaoru had never given much thought to Kenshin's past lovers, or in Megumi's case, potential lovers. These thoughts had never even occurred to her, but she was aware that Kenshin was indeed a very handsome man with much to offer. He had status and power as an elite solider of the army. He was a skilled warrior and perfect provider. There is no doubt that he had caught the eyes of many women. Surely plenty of those women had been more beautiful, skilled, graceful, and experienced than her. Still, for some reason he had chosen her. This epiphany filled Kaoru's heart with both sadness and joy. Megumi was good woman and a fantastic doctor. She had once loved him, but that love had gone unrequited. Kaoru couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have been Megumi. For Kenshin to have rejected her day after day would have been terrible. Kaoru didn't even want to think about it "I'm sorry Megumi." Kaoru replied comfortingly.

Megumi frowned "I didn't tell you that to get an apology." She stated sounding insulted "I want you to understand how special you are to that man. He loves you. Getting the Battousai to fall in love with you is no easy task, just make sure that you never betray him Kaoru. I want you to promise me that you will love him more than he does you. That man was broken when I knew him, and somehow, he has begun to repair that which is broken in him. Don't you ever break him again. Promise me that."

Kaoru smiled a small smile of understanding. Megumi had still had a piece of her heart reserved for the Battousai, and she didn't want to see him get hurt. It was a tiny bit ironic to hear this considering that most people warn her about how dangerous he his, but Kaoru found that Megumi's concern for Kenshin just made her like the doctor that much more "I promise you Megumi, I will love him with all that I am."

Kenshin's POV

Kenshin had to do something constructive with himself. He didn't think that he could control himself laying there next to Kaoru another second. Kenshin had held her nearly all night. The soft, silken bare skin of her back had been pressed against his chest as his arm had settled over her waist, and across the small span of her stomach. He had watched her for hours as she slept soundly in his embrace. The soft curves of her body highlighted seductively in the lanterns light. Not long after they had made love he had found himself selfishly wanting more. Kenshin knew that Kaoru would probably not be able to withstand a second round. It would only make her that much sorer come morning. So, he had refrained himself for as long as he could. At length he could no longer take the temptation of her naked body and had to leave. Kenshin had wrapped her into a blanket to ensure she would stay warm. He then left for the temple's designated dojo.

He wasn't sure how long he had been practicing his swordsmanship, but when he had entered the dojo it had been dark. Currently the sun had long since flooded the many windows that lined either side of the long, empty room. He hadn't even broken a sweat yet, and he had been at this for hours. Kenshin was in the middle of a defensive practice routine when the door at the end of the room slid open "Battousai!" It was Kaoru's estranged friend Sanosuke Sagara. His face read worry and concern. Sano jabbed a thumb over his shoulder "You need to get to the courtyard now, one of Shishio's men are looking for you." Kenshin sheathed his katana and nodded his understanding.

Kenshin could feel the soldier's presence long before he had entered the courtyard. There just inside the gates stood, much to Kenshin's surprise, a young boy. He was skinny, sporting a worker's tan and shaggy black hair. He was very young, probably no more than thirteen if that. What was Shishio doing sending a kid like that to do his work? Something didn't seem right to Kenshin so he kept his guard up as he crossed the lawn to meet with the child. On the surrounding porch Katsura's men stood at attention "That blood red hair… You're the Battousai correct?" Asked the child as he looked up at Kenshin with a cold black glare. Those eyes. Kenshin was caught off guard as the eyes of the woman he had murdered glowered at him with a glint of vengeance. This boy…who was he? Kenshin silently waited for the child to continue. The boy drew the katana that was secured into his belt "My name is Enishi and I'm here to resurrect justice for my sister. The woman that you murdered in cold-blood." Tomoe… how many lives had he destroyed in killing her? A young boy that had no place in this war stood before him, his childhood cruelly ripped from him, his heart tainted in revenge. This boy's pain was his fault "Raise your sword Battousai!" The boy seethed.

Kenshin refused. He wouldn't kill this boy. Enishi, angry that his last chance to avenge his sister was being stolen from him, launched at Kenshin his blade angled for his throat. Kenshin side-stepped the blade, but intentionally allowed the boy to lay a mark on him. The katana sliced into his cheek completing the brand that Tomoe's fiancée had begun. Blood dripped of his chin as he turned to face the boy who was already in the process of starting a counter attack. Kenshin swerved around Enishi's sword as he charged forward, and took hold of the hilt. He ripped the blade from the boy's hand and threw it to the ground a few feet away from him "I'm sorry." Kenshin apologized as he shoved his fist into his stomach. Enishi gasped at the impact and Kenshin caught him as he sunk to the ground. He had been trained to kill his opponent once he had drawn his sword. He would have killed that child without hesitation if he had unsheathed his katana, and he didn't want the blood of a child on his hands.

"Kenshin!" Kaoru was running across the courtyard to meet him.

Kenshin look at her with tortured eyes as she fell to her knees beside him "I need you to take care of this boy." He told her as he sealed that emotionless mask over his face "I didn't kill him, but his injury definitely needs to be treated."

Kaoru nodded "Okay, let's get him to the clinic."

A/N: I know that I took a long time to update on this story, but to be honest I have revised this chapter several times. I have felt like this chapter has held some key components to the story, and I wanted to make sure that it was written the exact way I wanted it. Also it is longer than any chapter I have ever written. Usually I write about five pages per chapter, this one contains eleven and a quarter.

Finally I just want to say thank you all that have read and/or reviewed for sticking with me. I hope that you will leave any comments in the box below. I will see you next chapter! Also if I don't update before the holidays; Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.